Retreat planned for Sparks Middle School students

SPANISH SPRINGS, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -- A weekend of fun is in store for Sparks Middle School students as a means to heal after the shooting in October.

The number one goal is to have fun, but during this retreat, these students will be able to connect and learn from others who have had the same experience. They will be joined by other school-shooting survivors.

Christine Bell was a junior at Columbine High School when 13 students were killed there in 1999. She says the healing process is different for every person. "Especially for younger students, it's really an overwhelming experience, and they're not able to process for a long time exactly what happened."

"As adults, it takes a while to learn how to live with it, and carry it with you in a way that doesn't define you. It's a really long process."

Bell also said that there is a benefit that comes from telling your story to people who have been through a similar experience. "Having a chance to be a community with other people who understand, it is a huge part of the healing process. It's really helpful."

This overnight retreat is made possible by a grant from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program, and other local support. The boys' group will depart from Spanish Springs Presbyterian on Saturday at 11 a.m. There will be last-minute signups on a first come first serve basis, starting at 10:30 a.m.